Spurs have suspended sporting director Frank Arnesen after they claimed Chelsea made an approach to the Dane without their permission.

Arnesen says he wants to move to Chelsea, and Spurs have confirmed they are taking legal advice on the matter.

Chelsea, however, insist they made an "official approach" to Spurs for Arnesen to move to Stamford Bridge.

But Spurs told club website www.spurs.co.uk that Chelsea's move was made "in direct breach of FAPL rules".

A Spurs statement read: "This approach was made both prior to requesting permission and without permission from the club."

Chelsea reacted swiftly to reject the allegations, insisting: "Chelsea Ltd made an official approach to Tottenham Hotspur for permission to speak to Frank Arnesen two weeks ago.

"Chelsea Ltd has been in direct discussions with Tottenham for the last two weeks on this subject."

The row over Arnesen comes only days after Chelsea were fined £300,000 and handed a suspended three-point deduction by Premier League officials for their role in an illegal meeting with Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole.

This is a bolt from nowhere because his partnership with Martin Jol was the team to take us forward.

Tottenham Supporters' Trust spokesman Daniel Wynn

The 48-year-old arrived at Spurs at the start of last season and was instrumental in appointing Jacques Santini, then his successor Martin Jol.

He is also responsible for masterminding the club's transfer policy.

The Spurs statement added: "Notwithstanding that he is subject to contract and holds wide-ranging responsibilities and commitments to all parties at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, Frank has indicated that he wishes to move to Chelsea Football Club.